Molopo Kalahari Lodge: Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

The gin and tonic never tasted better.  When last did you get up at 3H30 in the morning, after you'd been to a wedding, and been on the road for at least 10 hours?  Exactly, few people have or would dare to. We did. My aching bones rejoiced when we stopped at the Molopo Lodge en route to Botswana last month.

The place was abuzz with weary travellers having sundowners on the veranda or getting settled in their cottages or campsites before having a sundowner. An oasis in the Kalahari, this place is, and I would recommend it to everyone. We stayed in a very comfortable bungalow. I was too tired to read so that I won't go into the bedside lamp saga again. In fact, I don't think there was one, as I remember it was a schlepp getting out of my warm bed to put the lights off.

The shower was good, scorching, and the water pressure was perfect. The restaurant was open, which saved the day. Self-catering is an option too.

The menu is comprehensive, but for the life of me, I can't imagine why someone would opt for fish and chips, calamari, or mussels in the Kalahari. We had a steak each. It's not fine dining by any means, but who cares as long as I didn't have to prepare it.

The Manageress and staff are very capable, friendly, and accommodating. Do make a reservation when you're planning a trip to the Kgalagadi in Botswana or Namibia (if you're in that neck of the woods).